Edinburgh schoolgirl Rachel Notarangelo has cooked up a storm by winning her way into the final of FutureChef 2011.
Rachel, 14, of Holy Rood High School, proved her cookery talents against 10 other competitors to win the South and Central Scotland Regional Final.
Rachel will now compete in the FutureChef national final in London on March 21, where she will be judged by some of the UK’s best-known celebrity chefs.
The FutureChef programme, organised by The Springboard Charity, is a nationwide culinary programme which helps young people from the ages of 12-16 cook their way through a series of challenges, providing invaluable lessons and insight into the culinary industry.
Schools across Scotland took part in local and area finals before the winning pupils competed in the South and Central Scotland Regional Final at the City of Glasgow College.
Head Judge Joe Queen, Executive Chef at Hilton Hotels, said “It was a tough competition and standards were very high, but Rachel was a clear winner .”
Rachel, from Joppa in Edinburgh, said: “I’ve always enjoyed cooking and watching my dad in the kitchen, but never thought for a second that I’d win a competition like this.
“Everyone’s dishes looked great, so I’m so pleased the judges thought my cooking was the best. I’m now looking forward to representing my school and Scotland in the national final.”
The competition involved the pupils serving a two course meal for two in 90 minutes.
Rachel’s winning menu was crusted halibut served on a bed of tagliatelle vegetables and cold berry crumble.
Holy Rood High School head Lorraine Legrix said: “The entire community of Holy Rood High School is extremely proud of what Rachel has achieved.
“Rachel is a shining example of a pupil who has taken advantage of the wider opportunities our school provides to enhance learning and to provide a variety of experiences for pupils to grow and develop and meet with success beyond the classroom.
“Rachel richly deserves her success and has been rewarded for the hard work and commitment she has shown. On behalf of everyone at Holy Rood, I wish her every success in the national final of the competition.”
Springboard Regional Manager Amanda McDade said “FutureChef was developed by Springboard as a result of research into young people’s ideas about the hospitality industry.
“Our research revealed that young people really admire high-profile and celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver yet surprisingly few genuinely consider a career as a chef.
“The FutureChef programme provides teachers and young people alike with a wonderful insight into what it’s like to be a chef and the related career opportunities.”
A record number of more than 700 schools from throughout the UK participating in FutureChef, which means there are thousands of young hopefuls taking part and benefiting from the FutureChef experience.
The 2011 programme will culminate with the national final at Westminster Kingsway College in London where the junior chefs will have to cook two course meal for four people in two hours.
